A small-town treasure earning world-class recognition, The Royal Hotel proves that luxury and heart can thrive far beyond the city.
Located in the centre of Prince Edward County, The Royal Hotel continues to lift the standards of rural and countryside accommodations with its historical charm and redefined comfort and luxury. By securing a triple crown of national and international awards, this boutique hotel is recognized as one of Canada’s best places to stay. For two consecutive years, The Royal has been awarded the honours of a Michelin Key, the status given to hotels that exemplify exceptional hospitality and design. This makes The Royal the only property in Ontario outside of a major city centre to be acknowledged with this honour in 2025.
The Royal has also been recently recognized by the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards and VineRoutes’ inaugural Restaurant Awards. These awards serve to highlight that The Royal is much more than just a hotel; it is a destination where thoughtful hospitality and comfort combine with elevated dining.
“To receive a Michelin Key for the second year in a row is nothing short of surreal,” says Sol Korngold, general manager at The Royal Hotel. “We’re a small team with a big heart, and this recognition celebrates every thoughtful detail and every warm welcome. It’s an honour we don’t take lightly — and one that inspires us to keep raising the bar.”
That mindset and authenticity shine in every room of the restored 19th-century property. The Royal reopened in 2022 after a decade-long restoration that combines traditional architecture and modern design throughout its 28 rooms and five Royal Annex suites, giving the property the perfect earthy and luxurious vibe. From its in-house bakery, cosy hotel bar, event spaces, full-service spa-plus-sauna as well as a seasonal outdoor garden with a heated spa pool and bar, The Royal presents both a welcoming home and splendid getaway for exploring all that Prince Edward County has to offer.
In the centre of it all is Chef Albert Ponzo’s award- winning restaurant, a gourmet retreat availing itself of the neighbouring bounty plus that of the hotel’s own Edwin County Farms. Chef Ponzo’s menu, recently featured in Forbes, highlights his vision of paying homage to farm-to-table cuisine, reflecting the county’s fertile land through seasonal features, handcrafted wines and bold flavours.
The Royal’s commitment to quality goes beyond its famous dining. Every award, from the Michelin Key for hospitality to guest loyalty recognition from Condé Nast, supports the same claim, that the hotel offers luxury in a rural setting without losing its heart. “To be given a VineRoutes Award of Distinction, named a Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice for three straight years — and now a two-time Michelin Key recipient — feels like a dream we never dared to dream. I see these honours as love letters from our guests, affirmations that soul, service and sincerity still stand out,” says Korngold.
As winter approaches in Prince Edward County, The Royal shines like a jewel of elegant hospitality, offering its guests the feeling of being truly looked after — whether it’s for a weekend retreat to recharge, a celebratory dinner or just a glass of county wine.
